Why Tight Ductwork Is Important For Your Home

Most homeowners take an “out of sight, out of mind” approach with their ductwork systems. The problem with this approach is that it can result in problems that can cost you dearly. Here’s why tight ducts are essential for effective heating.

Why Tight Ducts Are Important

Your heating system utilizes your air ducts as an efficient channel for air to travel. One set of ducts delivers cold air to your heating system whereas another one distributes heated air throughout your home.

If your ductwork isn’t tight, heated air will be lost through leaks and damaged or disconnected areas. Your heating equipment will have to work harder to move air to your rooms, resulting in wasted energy and higher energy bills.

How to Find Ductwork Problems

You can know if your ducts aren’t as tight as they should be by looking out for these signs:

• Uneven heating – This is a sign of disconnected seams, uninsulated ducts or airflow obstructions.
• Clamoring or rattling sounds – These indicate loosely connected ducts.
• Loud whooshing noises – These are a sign of air ducts that are too small.

You can also hire an HVAC specialist to test and inspect your ducts for problems.

Tightening Up Your Ducts

If you suspect your ducts have a problem, the first step you should take is checking the vents in each room and making sure no furniture’s blocking them. You should seal the leaks in your ducts with high-quality metal tape or mastic sealant. Don’t use duct tape because it doesn’t have staying power.

If you have an old HVAC system, your ducts may have been installed with short-term installation savings in mind. Over time, the poor installation or design methods may cause seam separations, leaks, and other duct problems. The ducts may have to be repaired or replaced. Talk to a professional to find out the best way forward.

With tight ducts, you’ll enjoy better comfort and energy savings. For more information on tight ductwork, please contact us at C.R. Wolfe Heating & Air Conditioning. We serve the Middletown area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Middletown, New York about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about tight ductwork and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 845-367-4482.

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